The UNESCAP “Time/Cost - Distance Methodology” is a practical and simple way of illustrating the time and costs involved in the transportation process.
How you can use the UNESCAP “Time/Cost - Distance Methodology”
A basic version that does not require an upfront estimate or quotation for the overall transport costs It provides with a quick analysis of time and cost distribution along your route.
The advanced version accommodates the analysis of long routes with many stops and allows for the analysis of time/cost intensity of individual activities at stops.
Data can be an initial estimate by a freight forwarder or transport operator for an individual consignment or, even an average figure. Once the data is entered into either of the T/C –D templates graphs comparing time over distance and cost over distance will be automatically produced. You may even experiment with the templates using hypothetical data as given in the example to familiarize yourself with the functionalities of the methodology.
It is best to look at one route or one particular shipment of goods. The minimum information needed is route, mode and distance plus either time or cost.
To enter the data correctly, please follow the 5 basic steps: -
Step 1: Establish the route you are going to examine i.e. A to B via C and D (or as in the below example in Figure 3 we have used Tianjin to Ulaanbaatar via the Erenhot and Zamyn Uud border).
Step 2: Ascertain what modes of transport are being used on your route (e.g. Road/Rail)
Step 3: Determine the distances between all the points (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = 983Km).
Step 4: Check how long it takes for the goods to reach each point (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = 29 hrs. 12min.).Step 5: Ascertain how much of the total cost is taken up by each leg of the journey, modal transfer, border crossing or other cost/tolls that are encountered. (e.g. Tianjin to Erenhot = $500).
Courtsey : http://www.unescap.org/
